Julian’s words and actions left Audrey in disbelief. He claimed that the bouquet of flowers was specifically prepared for Elisa! What was happening? After addressing the situation, Julian disregarded everyone’s reactions and said to Mrs. Stone, “Auntie, I’m going to grab a glass of water. I’ll be leaving shortly.”

Audrey regained her composure but was puzzled by his actions. She thought it best to invite Julian inside first. Alice poured a cup of warm water for him. As they sat together, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law observed Julian leisurely sipping his drink. When Remy and Elisa entered, the two women shifted their gaze between the three of them.

As an elder, Audrey felt it necessary to clarify matters with Julian. She asked, “Mr. Bucham, what did you mean earlier? How did you come back with Elisa? You mentioned that the bouquet of flowers was prepared for her?”

Julian replied, “When she returned from her business trip, I went to the airport to pick her up, so naturally, I came back with her. Mr. Johnson was also there to pick her up, which made it a bit crowded. It’s just better for two people to be together; having a third person can feel cramped. I did prepare that bouquet for Elisa. Auntie, it’s the first time I’ve given flowers to a girl, and I’m not sure if Elisa liked it. I handed it to her at the airport, but Mr. Johnson took it and gave her the bouquet he bought instead, which Elisa preferred.”

Elisa was speechless. In what capacity had she received Julian’s bouquet? It was utterly baffling that he suddenly declared his intention to compete with Remy for her affection. She also found it hard to believe that Julian was being sincere.

Truth. There was no love in the way he gazed at her. Julian’s actions felt more like the completion of a mission than anything else.

Audrey asked in disbelief, “Mr. Bucham, what do you mean?” When had Julian developed feelings for Elisa? They had met probably no more than five times. Furthermore, it was rumored that Julian was unwell and indifferent.

Grandma May had introduced a master to Patriarch Bucham, claiming that Mr. Bucham would meet his destined partner, who was only twenty-four this year, younger than Mr. Bucham himself.

Elisa was over twenty-four and certainly not Mr. Bucham’s destined person. Patriarch Bucham had arranged for many twenty-four-year-old girls to meet Mr. Bucham in various ways, yet none had brought good news. Audrey could never believe that Julian had feelings for Elisa.

Julian stated, “Auntie, that’s just your assumption. I want to compete fairly with Mr. Johnson. To be blunt, I intend to be Mr. Johnson’s short-term romantic rival.”

He emphasized the term “short term.” Audrey realized that Julian was not being serious. But what was motivating Julian to compete with Remy for Elisa? Could it be that his father’s arrangement of 800 blind dates a day had frightened him?

Perhaps he was using Elisa as a shield, knowing that he wouldn’t be entangled with her since she was deeply in love with Remy.

“Auntie, I still have something urgent to attend to. I must leave now, but I’ll come by for dinner another time. Mr. Johnson, you’re welcome to stay for dinner.”